HB 713, Public Contracts/Multiple Awards, is supposed to save the state money in the long run. However a representative from the Department of Administration said the bill would have a fiscal cost and it was requested that the bill not require the department to have multiple awards in every case. The bill was given a favorable recommendation.
Several members of the public spoke on HB 654, the Homeowner/Homebuyer Protection Act. An Attorney for the N.C. Justice center said the bill eliminates protection against abusive lease contacts, but the President of the N.C. Real Estate Coalition favored the bill saying it would help small real estate businesses. The bill passed the committee.
House Bill 721, Landlord/Tenant/Bed Bug Liability, was passed on to the subcommittee that was established today to discuss the bill.
HB 813, ESC/Jobs Reform, was passed with virtually no debate.
Rep. Bradley brought forth HB 587, the North Carolina Jobs Bill, and stated that the bill’s purpose is to reduce burdens on companies, lessen barriers for entrepreneurs and prevent losing jobs to less regulated states. There is a fiscal note attached to the bill since it would require the addition of several new job positions in order for there to be an annual review of the roughly 18,000 regulatory rules in place in N.C. . There were concerns voiced from the public that the bill would prevent citizens from petitioning for rule making and inhibit necessary rule making, especially concerning the environment. The bill was not voted on.
More on regulatory reform.
